Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan (2025-2035) for the Implementation of the National Blue Economy Policy 2024

- 1 - UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA MINISTRY OF LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE BLUE ECONOMY ACTION PLAN (2025-2035) FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL BLUE ECONOMY POLICY 2024 December, 2024 - 2 - Prepared by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with the Support of the African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Nairobi – Kenya. Citation: URT (2025) Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan For Implementation of the National Blue Economy Policy 2024 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of fisheries and aquaculture stakeholders in Tanzania. All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this document for research, education and other non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided the source is fully acknowledged. Any commercial purpose on this document is strictly prohibited without prior written permission of the copyright holders. Published by URT, Dodoma-Tanzania Copyright: @2025 United Republic of Tanzania ISBN: Request for such permission should be addressed to: The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Fisheries Sector, Government City- Mtumba, Michezo Street, P.o.Box 2847, Dodoma-Tanzania. - 3 - CONTENT 1. BACKGROUND ................................................................................... - 6 - 1.1. RATIONALE ........................................................................................... - 7 - 1.2. PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THE ACTION PLAN ................................................. - 8 - 2. FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE BLUE ECONOMY ACTION PLAN ................................................................ - 9 - 2.1. SCOPE ................................................................................................. - 9 - 2.1.1. Sectoral scope ................................................................................ - 9 - 2.2. VISION, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES ............................................................. - 9 - 2.2.1. Vision ............................................................................................ - 9 - 2.2.2. Mission .......................................................................................... - 9 - 2.2.3. Policy Objectives ............................................................................ - 9 - 3. BEST PRACTICES IN IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY .. - 23 - 3.1. COORDINATION OF BLUE ECONOMY ACTIVITIES ............................................ - 23 - 3.2. SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION OF FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE RESOURCES ........... - 23 - 3.3. BLUE ECONOMY INVESTMENT IN FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ........................ - 23 - 3.4. STRENGTHENING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ........................................... - 24 - 3.5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES: GENDER AND YOUTH INCLUSION .............................. - 24 - 3.6. GOOD GOVERNANCE .............................................................................. - 24 - 4. REFERENCE ........................................................................................... 31 - 4 - List of Tables Table 1: Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan for Implementation of The National Blue Economy Policy (2025-2035) Table 2: Reporting Requirements on Implementation of National Blue Economy Policy 2024 Table 3: Implementation Indicators of Blue Economy Policy Objectives - 5 - List of Abbreviation and Acronym AU-IBAR AUDA-NEPAD ABNJ AI BE BMUs BBNJ CEE CGA COSTECH DP EAC EEZ FAO FSMP IUU LTA LVFO MLF MSY MSP M&E MPA PFRS PPP RFB SADC SDGs SEBE SSF TAFIRI Tanzania BE Policy UNCTAD UNDP UNEP URT VPO African Union-Inter African Bureau for Animal Resources African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for Africa’s Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction Artificial Intelligence Blue Economy Beach Management Units Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Collaborative Event Ethnography Central Government Authorities Commission for Science and Technology Development Partners East African Community Exclusive Economic Zone Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Fisheries Sector Master Plan Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Lake Tanganyika Authority Lake Victoria Fisheries Organization Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Maximum Sustainable Yield Marine Spatial Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Marine Protected Area Pan-African Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy Framework and Reform Strategy Public-Private Partnerships Regional Fisheries Bodies Southern African Development Community Sustainable Development Goals Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy Small Scale Fisheries Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute Tanzania Blue Economy Policy United Nations Conference on Trade and Development United Nations Development Programme United Nations Environment Programme United Republic of Tanzania Vice President's Office - 6 - 1. BACKGROUND The Blue Economy gained prominence as a key concept at the 2012 Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, highlighting the vital role of coastal and marine space in achieving sustainable development. In the global and regional arena, it constitutes Goal 14 of the UN Agenda 2030 and Goal 6 of the Agenda 2063. Blue Economy underscores critical concerns regarding ocean health amid growing demand for exploitation of both renewable and non-renewable marine resources, marine pollution, and the impacts of climate change (World Bank, 2017; Okafor- Yarwood et al., 2020). In Africa, the Blue Economy conceptualizes “oceans and inland waters (seas, coasts, lakes, wetlands, floodplains, rivers, and underground water) as ‘development spaces’, according to the Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development (Lomé Charter), Blue Economy include diverse components, such as fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, maritime transport, shipbuilding, offshore renewable energy, seabed extractive activities and marine biotechnology and bioprospecting. (AUC, 2015). The Blue Economy represents a transformative opportunity for sustainable economic development, particularly in Africa, where vast marine resources hold immense potential for enhancing livelihoods, food security, economic resilience and fostering social inclusion (De Graaf, Gertjan, and Luca Garibaldi. 2015; United Nations, 2016). With over 30% of the continent’s population relying on freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems, effective management of these resources is crucial for both environmental sustainability and socio-economic advancement (AU IBAR, 2014). The Blue Economy is still an evolving idea despite efforts to define it. As evidenced by ongoing debates among scholars and policymakers around issues of governance, sustainability, and equity, a reflection of the broad components of Blue Economy sectors, actors, their values, and objectives. Facing implementation challenges when it comes to cross-sectoral integration and effective consideration of economic, social, ecological and environmental dimensions of sustainable development (OECD, 2019; UNDP and EU (2004). In that context, a sustainable blue economy approach could provide a practical policy space for sustainable development outcomes, consistent with the national Blue Economy Policies, building on the respective strengths in a more integrated approach to the blue economy sectoral specific (AUDA-NEPAD). The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) Secretariat has a mandate to support and coordinate the implementation of the Africa Blue Economy Strategy, 2019. The Strategy is aimed at guiding the African Union Member States and regional institutions, for the coherent formulation of their national and regional Blue Economy strategies, that would promote socio-economic transformation and growth (AU-IBAR, 2019). - 7 - The BE concept has gained traction in Tanzania, in 2021 the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar established a full-fledged Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries and developed the Blue Economy Policy (2022) and its Policy Implementation Plan (2022). This initiative was a strategic step to create an adequate institutional arrangement to support BE implementation. In mainland Tanzania, the BE concept has been also embraced as a driving force for economic diversification and growth, and attention has been signalled to formulate the Blue Economy Policy that was endorsed in April 2024. The policy lays out the priority actions to harness BE potential significantly and maximize BE opportunities for Tanzania’s transformation and economic growth. Considering that mainland Tanzania endorsed the National Blue Economy Policy 2024 and its Implementation Strategy 2024, thus, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in collaboration with AU-IBAR is strengthening the Blue Economy governance mechanisms, and formulation of a Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan resonating with the National Blue Economy Policy 2024, to ensure its operationalization (URT, 2024). 1.1. Rationale With its extensive freshwater and marine water bodies, Tanzania has great potential to capture fisheries and aquaculture resources. The country is one of the greatest fisheries nations in Africa, ranking in the top 10 countries in total capture fisheries production. The sector is a source of animal protein, income generation, employment, and recreation. In addition, it contributes 1.8 % to the GDP (National Statistics Bureau; 2023), 10 % to the national foreign exchange earnings, and about 27 to 30 % to the total animal protein intake in the country. According to fish stock assessment surveys, the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) is estimated at more than 4,050,000 metric tons, providing an opportunity for Tanzania to promote inclusive economic growth and improvement of livelihoods, indicating the potential for BE investments, while ensuring the sustainability of the oceans, coastal areas, lakes, and rivers. The Tanzania Blue Economy Policy 2024 and its Implementation Strategy 2024-2034; the Fisheries Sector Master Plan (2021/22-2036/37), the National Fisheries Policy 2015 and the National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2009 identified the fisheries and Aquaculture sectors’ resources as a ‘low hanging fruits’ to harness the potential of BE to the ongoing country’s development transformation and economic growth. Also, the African Blue Economy Strategy 2019 and its Implementation Plan 2019; the Blue Economy Framework 2020; and Annex 1: Fisheries, Aquaculture, Conservation and Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems in the context of Africa Blue Economy 2019 underscored the need to develop an action plan to implement the BE policies. - 8 - In light of that, this Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan (FABEAP) have been formulated to attract investments, infrastructure development, value addition, foster enabling environment and empowerment, advance technology, promote underutilized resources, build institutional capacity, utilize untapped resources in the EEZ, industrial development, enhance marketing efforts, facilitate research and information sharing, boost aquaculture production and productivity, conservation of aquatic ecosystems, and combat IUU, in the context of Tanzania Blue Economy Policy 2024 and its Implementation Strategy 2024, The Fisheries Sector Master Plan and the African Blue Economy Strategy 2019 and its Implementation Plan 2019. 1.2. Process of Developing the Action Plan The process of developing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan (2025-2035) was initiated by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries with technical and financial support from AU-IBAR the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), through support from the Kingdom of Norway. The AU-IBAR commissioned the consultant to come up with the draft framework. The assignment utilized both primary and secondary data collection methods to gather insights on the operationalization of Tanzania’s National Blue Economy Policy 2024, focusing on the Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors. Primary data was collected through Collaborative Event Ethnography (CEE) at two key Blue Economy conferences: the Blue Economy Innovation and Investment Summit in Mombasa, Kenya 2024, and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, 2024. These events, attended by over 350 participants, served as field sites where emerging issues and best practices were observed and recorded. Additionally, to ensure inclusivity, consultations were conducted with a range of blue economy sector stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, blue economy agencies, and regional and intergovernmental organizations to capture diverse perspectives. Secondary data was gathered through a desk study of relevant literature, including national and regional blue economy policies, strategies and plans from organizations like LVFO, UNEP, and regional bodies such as SADC and EAC. This comprehensive approach helped to come up with a draft Fisheries And Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan. This action plan was presented to a broad-based national consultative workshop organised by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and AU-IBAR on 27th – 29th November 2024. The stakeholders included forty-five (45) participants drawn from blue economy sectors, comprising Fisheries and Aquaculture, Environment and Climate, Maritime and Transport, Energy Sector, Mining Sector, Oil Gas Exploration, Marine Parks and Reserve Units (BlueTourism), Gender and Youth and Blue Economy. The overall objective of the workshop was to solicit views and inputs from stakeholders - 9 - towards enriching and finalizing the Action Plan ensuring ensure buy-in, validation and ownership of the Action Plan for operationalization of the National Blue Economy Policy 2024 and the Africa Blue Economy Strategy 2019. 2. FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE BLUE ECONOMY ACTION PLAN 2.1. Scope The geographic scope of this Plan covers the ocean including its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), coasts, lakes, rivers and ponds of mainland Tanzania. It is grounded on the reality that, the Blue Economy (BE) concept in the African context covers economic activities and utilization of resources including oceans, seas, coasts, lakes and rivers, acknowledging fisheries and aquaculture as an integral part of the economy. 2.1.1. Sectoral scope This Action Plan is directed to both State and non-state actors, Regional Economic Commissions, Regional Fisheries Bodies, Continental Global and Development Partners and International Corporate and private partner stakeholders involved in the Blue Economy sectors. 2.2. Vision, Mission and Objectives The vision, mission and objectives of this Action Plan are in line with the Fisheries Policy (2015), National Blue Economy Policy 2024 and its Implementation Strategy 2024, Fisheries Sector Master Plan 2021, National Plan of Action for Implementing SSF Guidelines 2021, National Aquaculture Development Strategy 2009 and the African Blue Economy Strategy 2019 and its Implementation Strategy 2019. 2.2.1. Vision Tanzania with strong, integrated, inclusive blue economy in fisheries and aquaculture sectors to drive socio-economic growth. 2.2.2. Mission Enabling effective management and sustainable utilization of blue economy resources for economic growth and improved livelihoods. 2.2.3. Policy Objectives The main objective of the Blue Economy Policy 2024 is to facilitate effective, inclusive, equitable and integrated utilization and sustainable management of the fisheries and aquaculture blue economy potential for socio-economic development. To achieve this main objection, the following specific objectives are set out:- - 10 - i. To Strengthen coordination of blue economy activities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors; ii. To promote effective planning and utilization of the fisheries and aquaculture blue economy resources; iii. To promote strategic and integrated investment and sustainable utilization of the fisheries and aquaculture blue economy resources; iv. To enhance research in the utilization and management of the fisheries and aquaculture blue economy resources; and v. To promote gender responsiveness and good governance in the implementation of Blue Economy activities within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Therefore, the Action Plan is based on the thematic area developed according to the specific objectives based on the recommendations of the key stakeholders. For purposes of clarity, these thematic areas were categorized according to the strategic objectives of the National Blue Economy Policy 2024 and the ABES 2019, including: - coordination of Blue Economy in Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors, Sustainable uses of fisheries and aquaculture resources, Blue Economy Investment in fisheries and aquaculture, Blue Economy Research in the blue economy in fisheries and aquaculture Cross-cutting issues such as Gender and Youth and good governance Table 1. - 11 - Table 1: Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan for Implementation of The National Blue Economy Policy (2025-2035) Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector Strengthen coordination of blue economy activities in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors Coordination of Blue Economy in Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors Lack of an integrated policy and institutional frameworks for coordination of blue economy activities Inefficient international cooperation of the Blue Economy to benefit from EEZ and High Sea resources Establish the Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Section/Unit at the Ministry to oversee the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluations Amend the Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act, Cap 388 and its amendments of 2007 Establish a smooth Blue Economy coordination mechanism with LGAs, CGA, Community, private sectors, DP, Deep Sea Fishing Authority, International The Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Section/Unit at the Ministry established The Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act, Cap 388 and its amendments of 2007 amended Smooth Blue Economy coordination mechanism with LGAs, CGA, Community, private sectors, DP, Deep Sea Fishing Authority, International Institutions, Youth and Gender established July 2025- June, 2026 July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2029 Government: Ministries (Finance, Fisheries), Beach Management Units (BMUs), Local Government Authorities, Marine Parks and Reserves Units, and regulatory bodies play a role in policy-making, resource management, and enforcement. Private Sector: Businesses, investors, and market actors - 12 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector Inadequate funds and lack of proper coordination among the key agencies Institutions, Youth and Gender representation Mainstream the Action Plan into general government development policies to ensure coherence in policy to support implementation Adopt the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement to strengthen geopolitics purposes, blue economy security, global economic dynamics in foreign fishing agreements, offshore oil and gas exploitation, and marine biodiversity trade Action Plan Mainstreamed into general government development policies to ensure coherence in policy to support implementation Blue economy security and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement to strengthen geopolitics purposes, global economic dynamics in foreign fishing agreements, offshore oil and gas exploitation, and marine biodiversity trade are enhanced and adopted July 2025- June, 2032 July 2025- June, 2030 Promote effective planning and utilization of the fisheries and Sustainable uses of fisheries and Limited extension services and limited access to finance for Promote investments for national fleets targeting Exclusive Investments for national fleets fishing in July 2025- June, 2035 Government: Ministries (Finance, Fisheries), Beach - 13 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector aquaculture blue economy resources aquaculture resources national fleets to access Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas fishing Low contribution of EEZ and high seas fisheries resources to the GDP, the fisheries sector and the national economy. High post-harvest losses and limited value addition Limited access to appropriate fishing and aquaculture technologies Illegal, unreported and unregulated Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas fishing Establish governance mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of waters/area beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) (e.g. maritime security, high seas MPAs, sustainable fisheries, oil and mineral extraction) Developing infrastructure to support the coastal and EEZ fishing (handling and processing facilities) to reduce post- harvest losses Promotes technology transfer and application of AI, remote sensing, and marine robotics for EEZ and the high sea are promoted Finance to support national marine spatial planning and effective monitoring, control and surveillance). Governance mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of waters/area beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) (e.g. maritime security, high seas MPAs, sustainable fisheries, oil and mineral extraction) established Post-harvest loss is reduced through developing handling and processing infrastructure July 2025- June, 2029 July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2035 July 2025- June, 2033 Management Units (BMUs), Local Government Authorities, Marine Parks and Reserves Units, and regulatory bodies play a role in policy-making, resource management, and enforcement. Private Sector: Businesses, investors, and market actors. Regional and International Institutions - 14 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector fishing and Illegal cross border trade Inefficient Marine Spatial Planning - Absence of zoning or planning in marine areas, causing conflicts between economic activities and the d conservation of aquatic ecosystems sustainable development of blue economy sectors Enabling effective management and utilisation of national EEZs (e.g. technical assistance, marine spatial planning) Prepare and implement Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to avoid conflicts between various economic sectors Coordinating MSP with investment ensures that development projects align with sustainability goals, reduce conflicts, and balance economic growth with environmental protection. Application of AI, remote sensing, and marine robotics for sustainable development of blue economy sectors promoted Marine Spatial Plan to avoid conflicts between various economic sectors prepared and implemented MSP with investment ensures that development projects align with sustainability goals, reduce conflicts, and balance economic growth with environmental protection coordinated. July 2025- June, 2028 July 2025- June, 2035 - 15 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector Promote strategic and inclusive investment in fisheries and aquaculture Blue Economy Investment in fisheries and aquaculture Inefficient integrated and strategic investment in the sustainable utilisation of fisheries and aquaculture blue economy resources; Promote fish seed and feed production Strengthen Fishing vessels and nets manufacturing Strengthen Investments in equipment and technologies for capture fisheries targeting offshore catches in EEZ Promote Innovations in non-food production systems (e.g., marine biotechnology products such as drugs – seaweed) Enhance Innovations in processing, value Fish seed and fish feed production promoted Fishing vessels and net manufacturing strengthened Investments in equipment and technologies for capture fisheries targeting offshore catches in EEZ strengthened Innovations in non-food production systems (e.g., marine biotechnology products such as drugs – seaweed) promoted July 2025 - June, 2035 July 2025 - June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2035 July 2025- June, 2034 Ministry responsible for: Planning and Investment, Coordination of Blue Economy Issues, Land, Transport, Environment, Fisheries, Irrigation, Finance, Natural Resources, Tourism, Mining, and Regional and Local Governments. - 16 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector addition, packaging, and marketing of fish and fish by-products e.g., fish maws, fish frames, skins, scales and viscera Invest in circular economy innovations geared at providing large-scale solutions to aquatic waste management such as recycling waste e.g fertilizer development from seaweed, reusing fish waste by-products, Promote investments and innovations in High Conservation Value (HCV) approaches e.g, mangrove protection, mangrove-based crustacean breeding and harvesting Promote PPP in Natural capital Innovations in processing, value addition, packaging, and marketing of fish and fish by-products e.g., fish maws, fish frames, skins, scales and viscera enhanced Circular economy innovations geared at providing large-scale solutions to aquatic waste management such as recycling waste e.g fertilizer development from seaweed, reusing fish waste by-products, invested High Conservation Value approach mangrove protection, July 2025- June, 2034 July 2025- June, 2035 July 2025- June, 2032 Development Partners, Financial Institutions, and the Private Sector. - 17 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector financing – replanting of mangroves forest and sea grass to reduce carbon footprint; and blue carbon trading mechanisms e.g., blue carbon credits, innovations through carbon sequestration Resource mobilization for financing Youth- driven start-ups blue economy innovative solutions to address challenges like marine pollution etc. Promoting alternative livelihoods such as eco-tourism, seaweed farming, renewable energy projects, and coastal restoration Enhance the use of advanced technologies in fisheries crustacean breeding and harvesting promoted PPP in Natural capital financing – replanting of mangroves forest and sea grass to reduce carbon footprint; and blue carbon trading mechanisms e.g., blue carbon credits, innovations through carbon sequestration promoted Youth-driven start-ups with blue economy innovative solutions to address challenges like July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2030 - 18 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector management and aquaculture development (use of drones, machinery, AI etc) Promoting investment strategies through public- private partnerships (PPP) marine pollution supported The use of advanced technologies in fisheries management and aquaculture development (use of drones, machinery, AI etc) enhanced Investment strategies through public-private partnerships (PPP) promoted July 2025- June, 2035 July 2025- June, 2035 Strengthening blue economy research on the uses of fisheries and aquaculture resources Blue Economy Research in fisheries and aquaculture Limited Research and Resources: Insufficient funding and resources for scientific research on marine biodiversity, Promote research, monitoring and adaptive management strategies to assess ecosystem health and adjust practices accordingly. Research, monitoring and adaptive management strategies to assess ecosystem health and adjust practices accordingly promoted July 2025- June, 2035 Government, Research Institutions (e.g., MLF, TAFIRI): Local Communities Private Sector: - 19 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector ecosystem health, and the impacts of human activities Lack of proper assessment and monitoring of stock sizes, especially in deep- sea and territorial waters. Strengthen a science- based approach for the development of the Blue Economy; Conduct in-depth valuation of the national blue capital Designing research programmes to explore the investment potential of the EEZ and high seas. Improvement of infrastructure and technology in research and academic institutions Strengthened research and technological development innovation Science-based approach for the development of the Blue Economy strengthened An in-depth valuation of the national blue capital is conducted Research programmes to explore the investment potential of the EEZ and high seas designed Infrastructure and Technology in research and Academic institutions Improvement Research and technological development July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2028 July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2029 July 2025- June, 2034 Development Partners & NGOs Donors & International Agencies - 20 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector dissemination (extension) Involvement of stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture research (inclusive research) Strengthen data collection and analysis on the blue economy contribution of fisheries and Aquaculture innovation dissemination (extension) strengthened Stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture research (inclusive research) involved Data collection and analysis on the blue economy contribution of fisheries and Aquaculture strengthened July 2025- June, 2035 July 2025- June, 2027 Cross-cutting: Promote equality in the participation of men and women in issues related to fisheries and aquaculture Gender and Youth in the Blue Economy Women face exclusion from decision-making roles, and gender empowerment initiatives may not be inclusive of other marginalized groups, like youth. Establish programs targeting women and marginalized communities, by establishing the Women and Youth in Blue Economy Platform Women and youth are empowered through the establishment of Women and Youth in Blue Economy Platform March 2025- Sept, 2025 Ministry responsible for: Fisheries, gender,planning and Investment, Coordination of Blue Economy Issues, Land, - 21 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector Women and people with disabilities are often excluded from Blue Economy opportunities. Policies must ensure their active participation in sectors like aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy Promote Gender- sensitive training/ programs to unlock the potential of these groups to contribute to sustainable development. Women and people with disabilities are considered in all policies, and plans in fisheries and aquaculture Gender equality assured in all opportunities/programs July 2025- June, 2030 July 2025- June, 2035 Transport, Environment, Finance, Natural Resources, Tourism, and Regional and Local Governments. Cross-cutting: Promote good governance in the management of fisheries and aquaculture resources Good governance Conflicts over resource use, cultural differences, and power hinders community participation in governance and policy Inadequate awareness and Capacitate community in co- management arrangement community-based organization perform their activities according to the rule of law Community in co- management arrangement capacitated Community-based organizations perform strengthened July 2025- June, 2034 July 2025- June, 2033 Ministry responsible for: Planning and Investment, Coordination of Blue Economy Issues, Land, Transport, Environment, Fisheries, Irrigation, Finance, Natural - 22 - Specific Objectives Thematic Areas Challenges Planned Activities Target Time frame Responsible Sector enforcement of policies and laws to manage resources effectively. Accountability and transparency Resources, Tourism, Mining, and Regional and Local Governments. - 23 - 3. BEST PRACTICES IN IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY A sustainable Blue Economy involve an inclusive blue future that supports jobs and innovation providing economic opportunities. A participatory approach with good governance ensures long-term success. The best practices have been categorized as activities based on specific objectives for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Action Plan (2025-2035) for Tanzania. Below are the identified blue economy best practices: - 3.1. Coordination of Blue Economy Activities • Establish a Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Section/Unit at the Ministry to oversee the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Blue Economy activities. • Amend the Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act (2007) to strengthen the regulatory framework. • Establish a smooth Blue Economy coordination mechanism involving Local Government Authorities (LGAs), Community, Private Sector, Development Partners (DP), and international institutions. • Mainstream the Blue Economy Action Plan into general government policies to ensure coherence in policy implementation. • Adopt the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement to enhance geopolitics and ensure sustainable use of resources. 3.2. Sustainable Utilization of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources • Promote investments for national fleets targeting the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas fisheries. • Develop infrastructure to support coastal and EEZ fishing, such as handling and processing facilities. • Promote technology transfer using AI, remote sensing, and marine robotics for sustainable fisheries management. • Prepare and implement Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) to avoid conflicts between economic sectors and the conservation of aquatic ecosystems. • Strengthen governance mechanisms for sustainable development of waters beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), including maritime security, high seas marine protected areas (MPAs), and oil and mineral extraction. 3.3. Blue Economy Investment in Fisheries and Aquaculture • Strengthen investments in fishing vessels and nets manufacturing to support the national fleet. • Promote innovations in non-food production systems, like marine biotechnology (e.g., seaweed-based pharmaceuticals). - 24 - • Enhance value addition in fisheries and aquaculture, including processing and marketing of fish by-products such as fish maws, frames, skins, scales, and viscera. • Develop circular economy innovations for large-scale aquatic waste management, including recycling fish waste and creating fertilizers from seaweed. • Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) in natural capital financing for replanting mangrove forests and seagrasses to reduce carbon footprints. 3.4. Strengthening Research and Development • Promote research, monitoring, and adaptive management to assess ecosystem health and adjust sustainable practices. • Conduct valuation of the national blue capital to guide future investments and policy. • Design research programs exploring the investment potential of EEZ and high seas fisheries. • Improve research infrastructure in academic and research institutions. • Enhance technological innovation dissemination through extension services and stakeholder involvement. 3.5. Cross-Cutting Issues: Gender and Youth Inclusion • Establish programs targeting women and marginalized communities, focusing on empowering women and youth in the Blue Economy sectors. • Promote gender-sensitive training to unlock the potential of these groups in aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy. • Ensure inclusive policies that provide equitable access for women, youth, and people with disabilities to Blue Economy opportunities. 3.6. Good Governance • Capacitate community-based organizations in co-management arrangements for effective resource governance. • Promote accountability and transparency in fisheries and aquaculture management through regular monitoring and enforcement of laws. • Strengthen community-based co-management to ensure that resource use is fair and sustainable. These activities align with Tanzania's objectives to enhance its Blue Economy and provide sustainable economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation. - 25 - Table 2: Reporting Requirements on Implementation of National Blue Economy Policy 2024 S/N Priority Policy Area Type of Report Responsible Sector 1. Coordination of Blue Economy in Fisheries and Aquaculture sectors • National quarterly and annual reports on the implementation of the blue economy activities. • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries/Office responsible for the Coordination of Blue Economy and Blue Economy Sectors. 2. Sustainable uses of fisheries and aquaculture resources • Quarterly and annual report on preparation and implementation of Marine Spatial Plan. • The Office is responsible for the Coordination of Blue Economy Issues and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. • National annual report on utilization and management of blue economy resources the in Exclusive Economic Zone and the High Sea. • Office responsible for Economic Coordination of Blue Matters and the Ministry responsible for land issues. • DSFA 3. Blue Economy Investment in fisheries and aquaculture • Quarterly and annual reports on the implementation of investment plans and programs for sustainable utilization of the blue economy resources. • Ministry responsible for Fisheries/Investments; • Blue Economy Sectors. 4. Blue Economy Research in fisheries and aquaculture • Quarterly and annual reports on research and development activities in blue economy. • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries/Office responsible for the Coordination of Blue Economy and Blue Economy Sectors. • TAFIRI/COSTECH 5. Cross cutting - Gender and Youth in blue economy • National quarterly and annual report on Gender and Youth in the blue economy • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries/ Gender/Office responsible for the Coordination of Blue Economy and Blue Economy Sectors. Cross cutting- Good governance • National quarterly and annual report on good governance • Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries/Office responsible for the Coordination of Blue Economy and Blue Economy Sectors. 26 Table 3: Implementation Indicators of Blue Economy Policy Objectives S/N. Specific objective Target Performance Indicator Status (2024) 1. Strengthen coordination of blue economy activities in a fisheries and aquaculture sectors The Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Section/Unit at the Ministry established by June 2026 Fisheries and Aquaculture Blue Economy Section/Unit NONE The Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act, Cap 388 and its amendments of 2007 amended by 2030 Reviewed Deep Sea Fishing Authority Act NONE Smooth Blue Economy coordination mechanism with LGAs, CGA, Community, private sectors, DP, Deep Sea Fishing Authority, International Institutions, Youth and Gender established by 2029 Blue Economy coordination mechanism NONE Action Plan Mainstreamed into general government development policies to ensure coherence in policy to support implementation by 2032. Action Plan Mainstreamed in government policies NONE Blue economy security and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement to strength geopolitics purposes, global economic dynamics in foreign fishing agreements, offshore oil and gas exploitation, and marine biodiversity trade are enhanced and ratified by 2030 Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction BBNJ) Agreement ratified NONE 2. Promote effective planning and utilization of Investments for national fleets targeting EEZ and the high sea is promoted by 2035. Numbers of national fleets fishing in EEZ and high sea NONE 27 the fisheries and aquaculture blue economy resources Governance mechanisms to ensure sustainable development of waters/area beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) (e.g. maritime security, high seas MPAs, sustainable fisheries, oil and mineral extraction) established by 2035 Governance mechanisms set up to ensure sustainable development of waters/Areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) NONE Post-harvest loss is reduced through developing handling and processing infrastructure Reduction of post-harvest loss by 50% Application of AI, remote sensing, and marine robotics for sustainable development of blue economy sectors promoted by 2030 AI, remote sensing, and marine robotics applied Marine Spatial Plan prepared by 2029. Number of areas designated for various blue economy activities. The Marine Spatial Plan implemented by 2030. The groups and number of stakeholders 3. Promote strategic and inclusive investment in fisheries and aquaculture Fish seed and fish feeds production promoted Fish seed and fish feeds high-tech industries NONE Innovations in non-food production systems (e.g., marine biotechnology products such as drugs – seaweed) promoted Marine biotechnology industries 28 Circular economy innovations geared at providing large-scale solutions to aquatic waste management such as recycling waste e.g fertilizer development from seaweed, reusing fish waste by-products, invested by 2032 Circular economy innovations on aquatic waste management PPP in Natural capital financing – replanting of mangroves forest and sea grass to reduce carbon footprint; and blue carbon trading mechanisms e.g., blue carbon credits, innovations through carbon sequestration promoted by 2030 Blue carbon trading mechanisms in place Youth-driven start-ups blue economy innovative solutions to address challenges like marine pollution supported by 2030 Youth-driven start-ups blue economy innovative solutions The use of advanced technologies in fisheries management and aquaculture development (use of drones, machinery, AI etc) enhanced by 2035 advanced technologies in fisheries management and aquaculture development (use of drones, machinery, AI etc) enhanced Investment plan prepared by 2030 • A plan to encourage strategic, integrated and linking more than one sector of the blue economy. 29 • Number of strategic, integrated and binding investments. 4. Strengthening blue economy research on the uses of fisheries and aquaculture resources An depth valuation of the national blue capital will be conducted by 2028 Report on the valuation of the National Blue Capital NONE Research programmes to explore the investment potential of the EEZ and high seas designed by 2030 Report on blue economy investment potentials Stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture research (inclusive research) involved by 2027 Number of stakeholders involved Data collection and analysis on the blue economy contribution of fisheries and Aquaculture strengthened by 2027 Report on the blue economy contribution 5. Cross-cutting: Promote equality in the participation of men and women in issues related to fisheries and aquaculture Women and youth will be empowered through establishment of Women and Youth in Blue Economy Platform by 2025 Women and Youth in Blue Economy Platform promote Gender-sensitive training/ programs to unlock the potential of these groups to contribute to sustainable development promoted by 2035. Gender equality assured in all opportunities/programs 30 Conflicts over resource use, cultural differences, and power imbalances hinders community participation in governance and policy Number of Community-based organization performed Inadequate awareness and enforcement of policies and laws to manage resources effectively Number of Community based organization performances strengthened 31 4. REFERENCE AU-IBAR (2014), The Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya. AU-IBAR (2019), Africa Blue Economy Strategy. Available online: https://www.au- ibar.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/sd 20200313 africa blue economy strategy en.pdf (accessed on 22 Sept. 2024). AUC, 2015. Key Note Address Her Excellency, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for the Launch of the 2015–2025 Decade of African Seas and Oceans and the Celebration of the African Day of the Seas and Oceans on 25 July 2015. Available online: https://au.int/sites/default/files/speeches/25437-sp- chairpersons keynote address for 25 july 2015.pdf (accessed on 24 August 2024). AUDA-NEPAD Blue Economy: Africa’s Untapped Potential for Economic Growth. Available online: https://www.nepad.org/ news/blue-economy-africas-untapped- potential-economic-growth (accessed on 26 August 2024). De Graaf, Gertjan, and Luca Garibaldi. 2015. 'The value of African fisheries', in partnership between FAO and the NEPAD Agency Dominique Benzaken et.al 2022. Good governance for sustainable blue economy in small islands: Lessons learned from the Seychelles experience, DOI 10.3389/fpos.2022.1040318 Mwaipopo RN (2018) Review of policies, laws, institutional and regulatory framework governing the fisheries sector in relation to SSF guidelines. OECD (2019). Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development 2019. Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality. Paris: OECD. Available online at: https://www.oecd.org/gov/policy- coherence- for- sustainable- development- 2019- a90f851f-en.htm (accessed October, 2024). Okafor-Yarwood, I., Kadagi, N. I., Miranda, N. A. F., Uku, J., Elegbede, I. O., and Adewumi, I. J. (2020). The blue economy–cultural livelihood– ecosystem conservation triangle: the African experience. Front. Mar. Sci. 7, 586. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00586 Shayo S, Joseph L, Bigeyo K (2022) Local area management strategy for small pelagic (dagaa) fishery in RUMAKI seascape fishing communities through the framework of collaborative fisheries management areas (CFMAs). WWF Tanzania Country Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania https://www.au-ibar.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/sd 20200313 africa %20blue economy strategy en.pdf https://www.au-ibar.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/sd 20200313 africa %20blue economy strategy en.pdf https://www.au-ibar.org/sites/default/files/2020-10/sd 20200313 africa %20blue economy strategy en.pdf https://au.int/sites/default/files/speeches/25437-sp-chairpersons keynote address for 25 july 2015.pdf https://au.int/sites/default/files/speeches/25437-sp-chairpersons keynote address for 25 july 2015.pdf 32 United Nations, 2016—Africa’s Blue Economy a Policy Handbook’. Available online: https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/30130/AfricasBlueEconomy .pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y(accessed on 26 Sept. 2021). URT 2024, Sera ya Taifa ya Uchumi wa Buluu ya Mwaka 2024, https://www.vpo.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw-1716420401- Sera%20ya%20Taifa%20ya%20Uchumi%20wa%20Buluu%20ya%20Mwaka%20202 4 Publishing %2022%20Mei%202024.pdf (Accessed Augut, 2024) URT (2022) Fisheries Sector Master Plan UNDP and EU (2004). Governance Indicators: A User Guide. Washington, DC: United Nations. Available online at: https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/files/ Governance%20Indicators A%20Users%20Guide.pdf (accessed September, 2024). World Bank (2017). The Potential of Blue Economy: Increasing Frontiers in Political Science 23 frontiersin.org Long Term for Small Countries. 26843 Benefits of the Islands Developing https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/30130/AfricasBlueEconomy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/30130/AfricasBlueEconomy.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y https://www.vpo.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw-1716420401-Sera%20ya%20Taifa%20ya%20Uchumi%20wa%20Buluu%20ya%20Mwaka%202024 Publishing %2022%20Mei%202024.pdf https://www.vpo.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw-1716420401-Sera%20ya%20Taifa%20ya%20Uchumi%20wa%20Buluu%20ya%20Mwaka%202024 Publishing %2022%20Mei%202024.pdf https://www.vpo.go.tz/uploads/publications/sw-1716420401-Sera%20ya%20Taifa%20ya%20Uchumi%20wa%20Buluu%20ya%20Mwaka%202024 Publishing %2022%20Mei%202024.pdf 1. BACKGROUND 1.1. Rationale 1.2. Process of Developing the Action Plan 2. FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT OF THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE BLUE ECONOMY ACTION PLAN 2.1. Scope 2.1.1. Sectoral scope 2.2. Vision, Mission and Objectives 2.2.1. Vision 2.2.2. Mission 2.2.3. Policy Objectives 3. BEST PRACTICES IN IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE BLUE ECONOMY 3.1. Coordination of Blue Economy Activities 3.2. Sustainable Utilization of Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources 3.3. Blue Economy Investment in Fisheries and Aquaculture 3.4. Strengthening Research and Development 3.5. Cross-Cutting Issues: Gender and Youth Inclusion 3.6. Good Governance 4. REFERENCE